IPL 2018: The best in at # 3 slot

The 11th edition of IPL is just around the corner and the buzz is increasing by the day. All the teams have some world class batsmen. Most of the teams have their most versatile and adept batsman at no.3. Batsmen coming in at no.3 should be able to play aggressively from ball one if their openers lay a solid platform. At the same time, they should also have the ability to anchor the innings if they lose quick wickets.

Here we will be looking at the best 1 down batsmen:

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#3 Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is one of the best batsmen in the world

Rohit Sharma is one of the best batsmen in the limited over formats. He is one of India's biggest strengths in limited overs cricket. He was retained by the Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL auctions this year for Rs.15 crore. He is the linchpin in the Mumbai Indians batting line-up. While Rohit himself is an explosive opener, he would have to bat at no. 3 given that they have both Evin Lewis and Ishan Kishan who are not only in excellent form but their value comes down the moment when they play at any other position. By batting Rohit at no. 3, Mumbai can have one of the best 1-2-3 combinations in entire IPL while maximizing their opening potential.

His T20 stats are exceptional as he averages 32.39 with the bat and has a strike rate of 133. He scored 173 runs in 5 matches at a strike rate of 136 in the recently concluded Nidahas Trophy.

Rohit Sharma will once again be burdened with the responsibility of holding the batting line-up together. If Mumbai Indians are to defend their trophy, a lot will depend on how the 'Hitman' performs.

#2 Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina is an IPL legend

Suresh Raina is a left-handed batsman and has been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings. He has scored the most runs in the history of IPL, having amassed 4540 runs. He has never missed a game for Chennai Super Kings. He represented the Gujarat Lions while CSK was serving its suspension. Since the inception of IPL, CSK has always relied on Suresh Raina to deliver.

His T20 stats make for good reading as he averages 33 with the bat. He boasts of a healthy strike rate of 140. In addition to his batting abilities, he has picked up 53 wickets and has an economy rate of 7.26. His performance in the Nidahas Trophy was below average. He scored 103 runs in 5 matches at a strike rate of 132.

CSK need him firing on all guns if they are to defy all the critics and reach the playoffs.

#1 Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is a phenomenal batsman

Virat Kohli is definitely the best batsman of the century. He can single-handedly carry a team to victory. He is right behind Suresh Raina on the list of the highest run scorers in the Indian Premier League's history. He has scored 4418 runs. He is the linchpin of RCB's batting line-up. His association with the Royal Challengers Bangalore started in 2008. Virat Kohli will probably not open for RCB due to the availability of players like Quinton De Kock, Manan Vohra, and Brendon McCullum.

His T20 stats are superb. He averages 40 and has a strike rate of 140. In his last 5 T20's, Virat Kohli has scored 131 runs at a strike rate of 156.

RCB's performance this year will depend on the way Virat Kohli performs.